Welcoming Waves, Secret Sauce for Membership Growth and More

Lori Halley24 May 20130 comments

This week’s Apricot Jam link round-up includes a little something for everyone. From wondering whether associations might incorporate a neighborly wave and the secret sauce for membership growth; to 5 questions every board should ask; tips for giving donors what they want; and mistakes to avoid at your next event.

Katie Bascuas (Associations Now) reports that while “many associations are facing slipping membership numbers, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics announced last week that it reached its highest membership level in the organization’s history.”

Bascuas outlines some of the tactics this association has employed through their “three-pronged approach” which includes graduated dues for new graduates; “peer-to-peer targeting” and “practical toolkits and professional development opportunities for dieticians looking to grow in their careers.”

…These five questions are incredibly helpful in helping both the board and staff stay focused and clear about their actions.

Jacobwith outlines the 5 questions and demonstrates how taking "time to ponder and answer these questions at board meetings or at your annual board retreat, the answers WIILL more clearly focus” your board - from its structure, meeting and recruitment processes.

Do you know what your donors want?Do they want a clever t-shirt? A fancy certificate? A lovely lapel pin? A practical coffee mug? A recognition lunch?So, what do your donors really want?

Rosen answers his own question with: "Virtually all donors want to know that their donations will have a positive impact.” And he offers an example of one organization that is demonstrating impact through a “Community Impact Report.”

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